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Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Broken Chains

On a hot summer day in Baku in 1973, Esmira met a young man in the bookshop that she managed. While speaking to a friend over the phone, her eye caught the mysterious stranger entering the store. Esmira glanced at him. Her gaze was caught by his striking looks: broad-shouldered with hazel eyes and an olive complexion.

Esmira’s assistant saleswoman, Sveta, approached him with a broad smile on her face. “Sir, how can I help you?” She tossed a paper fan back and forth in front of her doll-like face.

He shared the smile. “War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy, please.” Sveta located a copy of the classic, after which he paid for his purchase and departed.

Her eyes lingered on him as he exited the shop. She sighed audibly. A week passed, and this elusive male customer returned. When he came into the bookshop, Esmira was standing by the cash register scribbling sales inventory in a notebook. Sveta had abandoned the sales counter to take a nap in the store-room in the back, leaving Esmira as the only other person in the front of the shop.

With a broad smile, the man greeted her and asked for a book by Nasradin Nuris. Esmira mounted a stool to retrieve the item. She began to search among the bookshelves. As she found the section where Nasradin’s books were located, she noticed out of the corner of her eye that the man was ogling her figure. Noticeable warmth coursed through the man’s body. His heart pounded impatiently. As Samed licked his bottom lip, he pondered her lithe body, beautiful legs, and firm round bottom. The stinging sensations shot through his hands, which were fidgeting nervously. Because of his penchant for curvy women, he clearly aimed to possess her right there, without any regard whatsoever for her own intentions.

~~~

Broken Chains

By Emiliya Ahmadova

While this is a family saga that include issues from at least four generations, the book hones in on the life of one of the children, Silvana, who succeeds in breaking the chains of her childhood. The drama takes place in the Port City of Baku, the Capital of Azerbaijan...

When her mother Esmira, met Samed, she was managing a bookstore and Samed visited first to buy a book but came back...He planned to capture the attention of Esmira and have his way, no matter what... Esmira was a young Muslim girl who was so naive that she had no understanding of contraception. Of course she got pregnant. Samed immediately told her to get an abortion... Silvana was the first child to this man who spent much of his time seducing and taking young girls as his own, for at least one time...

It was Esmira's mother, Sadaget, who wound up taking care of Esmira's children... yes, she had two more by Samed... Readers will learn of the life of the children as they follow daily interactions within the family.

Seeing her mother, Esmira froze, aghast. Her whole body suddenly felt weak. She felt like she was going to black out. Esmira held onto the table to keep from falling , her heart beating fast. Allah, have mercy on me! Sadaget saw Esmira's belly, and her jaw suddenly dropped. Her mother’s facial expression made Esmira agitated. Her knees began to shake...

“I'm ashamed,” answered Esmirain a low voice. Sadaget picked up the newspaper. She threw it at her daughter. It hit her belly and fell onto the floor. Esmira moved two steps back.

“You should have shame, jumping into a man's bed without marriage!” yelled Sadaget. She shook her head and approaching Esmira, she spat on her. Next, she slapped her face. “Whore! Was it Samed?”

Although Esmira never was told, her mother had also got pregnant as a single girl and had been so careful trying to prevent the same thing happening to her daughter! Raising children without a father was a difficult life.

Initially, it was planned that the child would be given up for an adoption, but as soon as Esmira and then her mother saw the baby, they chose to keep her. Esmira took 3 months leave to take care of the child, but soon it was Sadaget who had primary responsibility. In the meantime, Samed had moved on to live with another woman, but then moved back with Esmira, while continuing to lie about everything, including that he still saw other women...

An important twist had been in place that became more prominent as Silvana grew. Sadaget's background had been in the Orthodox Church, so she read from both the Bible and the Koran, which allowed Silvana to learn about both religions. As she grew older and began to think and act on her own thoughts, she had made her own decisions about which spoke to her more. But those thoughts could easily get her in trouble since her honest actions did not necessarily match those of others. Even then Silvana was bold enough to speak out to those who did wrong...

Silvana did everything she could to help her granny and the family, learning English so she could look for a job. But when she found it, she soon was faced with her first experience of having a man try sexual interaction... She walked out!

Silvana is a fantastic character. But living where she was allowed the family cycle to continue--Silvana was the fourth generation of being a woman of the age for marriage. Would she break the cycle of living and raising a family without a husband? But Silvana had a dream of marrying a prince charming, someone from a foreign country who would take her away from her old life...

She thought Mark who was English was to be that man and when all her dreams seemed to be coming true, she thought everything was perfect... She was wrong...

Each of the women in this family had accepted the lies of men who had wanted only one thing... By the time Sadaget had followed her mother, she had learned enough to be a strong woman, able to earn a basic living and continually taught her daughter about keeping herself for her husband. When Esmira failed, Sadaget continued to support her family and continued to try to break the chains of servitude...But it was Silvana who had listened, who had learned enough teachings from the Bible and Koran, and, developed the fortitude to act to seek the freedom from bondage...

One interesting think I learned was that the individual lives of the women, whether Muslim or Christian, were not really that different...but that it took each of the individuals to seek and then choose to follow her own path for her life... It was heartwarming as well as a challenge to watch these women struggle for...freedom...

The issue of religious choice seems to be more of a factor in America than ever before... Those interested may find Broken Chains of help in seeing and making a woman's life choices...

GABixlerReviews

Dear Readers,I am from Azerbaijan but currently live abroad. Azerbaijan is very beautiful country and we speak Azerbaijani language and some know Russian. I am a believer, mother, author, motivational coach, ex scout leader who believes in the possibility of everything. I work hard in order to achieve my goals and make sure that God plays a main role in my life. I do not take the answer No for no.I love writing and enjoy helping people. It allows me to create something new or bring something positive into someone's life. As a writer I will continue writing covering the topics that not only would capture the readers' interest, but teach, give direction and highlight the issues that as humans we are facing. I would like to try myself in different genres producing a unique piece for my readers. However, I do not see writing as my career. It is a hobby and a tool that allows me to share my knowledge, entertain, motivate and guide. I wrote Broken Chains, A Hell for All Seasons and in a process of editing My twin sister and I(book for children).Broken Chains symbolizes freedom from the fears, anxiety, negative situations etc. It shows an ability to break the chains that keep someone down and move forward to something new and better without looking back.Little bit about my education.I have diplomas in business management as well as a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in human resources management. I also have international diplomas in the advanced study of the theory and practice of management, administration, business management, communication, hotel operations management, office management and administration, and professional English from the Cambridge International College, in addition to a certificate in novel writing. I speak four languages (Azeri, Russian, English, and some Turkish), but my native language is Azerbaijani.

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6/17 Just saw your review on Amazon and then visited your site. Holy Smoke! As usual, I was amazed at what a fabulous job you did, reviewing the book and adding in all that related material. I was particularly thrilled that you included the book trailer I put on Utube. You adding it to your review made me very happy. In fact, I had a big smile on my face the whole time I looked at what you'd done. I even listened to the violin concerto and watched the video of Dog Hill. Every year it gets harder and harder to bring a new book to the attention of potential readers. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have you as an ally in that endeavor. Thank you so much for all you do for me and for other writers. There's no-one else like you. And that's no exaggeration.With profound gratitude, I remain, Your Friend, Don

Thank you. Your commitment to your craft is wonderful. Whether it's one star or 5, your reviews are detailed, considerate, and most of all, beneficial to the prospective reader.

What an amazing presentation. Stellar. I never expected anything like that.

Do you have a separate link that I can share? I'd love to post this everywhere I can. You did such a fabulous job.cheers Connie

Thank you so much for your glowing review of my new book. Your review really highlighted all the things that I try to incorporate in my books - they're the very things I want as a reader. I'm nearly finished writing the next book in the series - Walker and Munoz are back, and interestingly as you referenced in your review, this time it's personal. Again, thank you.

I'd read your amazing review before I looked at my Facebook page and was blessed. Hitting the link you posted, I was surprised for few would have gone to so much trouble, fewer still know that Lauren Bacall (born Betty Joan Perske) was Sephardic and bequeathed a large amount of primary source information about the Sephardim to a university, which I was able to view online when corroborating Naomi's story. Your review stands as one of the highlights of this profoundly dyslectic authors’ life. Thank & bless you heart emoticon

I thought I'd reach out to you for your heartfelt review on my novel. It was beautiful and brought tears to my eyes that someone was so moved by my tale... That it resonated that deeply with someone. Thanks for letting me know I'm not alone. Signed...

Wow, this is the most awesome blog post I've ever seen. Thank you for writing it! grin emoticon

I was thrilled with the details you offered in my review - like a literary movie trailer built on suspense and intrigue. I'm glad you're still reviewing books by aspiring authors like me. We need people like you! Keep up the good work and maintain that passion, Glenda!

Words fail me. Hi Glenda, I visited your review website today and was thrilled to see your marvelous features relating to Ms. Cramer's book. I passed them along to the author, and she is very excited and deeply grateful for your attention.

Your review of the book is wonderfully anecdotal and insightful, and it will be helpful I believe as an introduction to readers approaching Ms. Cramer's work for the first time. I found the opening of the review to be quite touching, with a wonderful sense of personal experience that I believe is all too often missing in critical review publication. In the context of the article, your remembrances from childhood add a truly beautiful layer to the photopoem you present.We're very impressed by what you put together using the press kit materials, and we will do our best to provide exposure for your features through our mailing list and other avenues.I do look forward to reading your articles in the future.We appreciate your considering our book and thank you very much for your fine and generous review coverage,

Saw the review and treatment of THE BLOOD BETRAYAL on your site. Once again, you've amazed me with what you do. Fantastic, fabulous… No, those words aren't good enough to describe your work and you.

I wrote up a short piece about what you did, directing people to your site from mine. That was really interesting and something I've never seen anyone do before. Great job, and I'm glad you enjoyed the novel.

Yo my truly heartfelt thank you for your very generous and kind review! I appreciate very much the time and effort you put into this review for me, and your so graciously posting it in multiple locations.

Your blogsite is extremely professional and well-done! What you posted for me there has completely blown me away!

Thank you again very much for such a comprehensive and thoroughly entertaining review. It's one of the best reviews I have received and I'm very proud to have it. Most Gratefully,

Glenda, You review blew my mind. When I listened to the songs you inserted, they brought tears to my eyes. You added a dimension to my work that was missing. In the attachment I have attempted to answer your question about anger. Thank you so much for your raving review. There are no words in the English language to express the gratitude I feel for you. I wish you a wonderful and blessed day.

I've been sitting in my chair for nearly fifteen minutes, stuck in an infinite loop of visual digestion and stunned amazement because of what you put together on your site for The Doppler Affect review. The time alone that you put into crafting the page is humbling, but the creativity and flair adds a layer I've never seen in reviews. Of course, the frosting of your very positive evaluation makes it the best cake I've eaten yet! I was also amazed at how you could step away from any biases due to your preferred genre and frame it for others...thank you. My newest book, Patriot's Point, will be released imminently. The publisher wants to know if I knew of any one in particular who has blogs or review sites that I would want to use. I immediately thought of you. Thanks, Doug

Glenda, I am truly in awe of your reviews and your review style. I have never seen anyone do a review as you can do one. I was entertained, informed, enlightened and amazed. There should be awards for creative, insightful and captivating reviews -- and you should be a recipient. Thanks for reviewing my book. And thanks for giving it an aura and image and feel that only your review could give it. I am very appreciative. All the best, Patrick

During the period of time that you requested my story, I also had other blog sites asking for the book as well. I had received three eviews prior to yours, and although I am very happy to report that all three were positive and enthusiastic, your entire presentation of the book, from the actual commentary to the ambitious visuals, blew me away and has left me emotionally weak-kneed in gratitude. I am extremely touched by all that you had to say and how you visually presented the concept of the book. Please note that I will place your website on the book's Facebook page which will hopefully bring your blog site more readership. Again, please know how grateful I am for your emotionally thrilling review. You have certainly made my day, Glenda! With much appreciation, Author/The Poe Consequence

I wanted to make sure I got a chance to properly thank you for posting the wonderful review of The Medici Boy! It was terrific, not just because you like the book (thank you) but because your analysis was thoughtful and honest. You put your heart into it, (Photos were out of this world) and you wrote like a friend would (we think that’s the very best kind of review). I appreciate your time and passion for literature! We’ve been promoting the site, since you went live, and we’re going to continue to promote your site on Social Media throughout the month. Senior Publicist Blue Dot Literary

Dear Glenda, I have to start this response with a BIG WOW! I have been very gratified with my experience as a new writer for both my books now and am working on a third. However, your review is like nothing I've ever seen, and I consider it a great piece of writing and creativity in itself. Thank you so very much for your kind words and treatment of Millstone. Once again, thank you for this review. I plan to pass it on in every venue available to me. My best wishes to you JackH

Thank you so much for your glowing review of my new book. Your review really highlighted all the things that I try to incorporate in my books - they're the very things I want as a reader. I'm nearly finished writing the next book in the series - Walker and Munoz are back, and interestingly as you referenced in your review, this time it's personal. Again, thank you.

I'd read your amazing review before I looked at my Facebook page and was blessed. Hitting the link you posted, I was surprised for few would have gone to so much trouble, fewer still know that Lauren Bacall (born Betty Joan Perske) was Sephardic and bequeathed a large amount of primary source information about the Sephardim to a university, which I was able to view online when corroborating Naomi's story. Your review stands as one of the highlights of this profoundly dyslectic authors’ life. Thank & bless you heart emoticon

I thought I'd reach out to you for your heartfelt review on my novel. It was beautiful and brought tears to my eyes that someone was so moved by my tale... That it resonated that deeply with someone. Thanks for letting me know I'm not alone. Signed...

JAFV I am stunned...

Wow, this is the most awesome blog post I've ever seen. Thank you for writing it! grin emoticon

I was thrilled with the details you offered in my review - like a literary movie trailer built on suspense and intrigue. I'm glad you're still reviewing books by aspiring authors like me. We need people like you! Keep up the good work and maintain that passion, Glenda!

Words fail me.

Hi Glenda, I visited your review website today and was thrilled to see your marvelous features relating to Ms. Cramer's book. I passed them along to the author, and she is very excited and deeply grateful for your attention.

Your review of the book is wonderfully anecdotal and insightful, and it will be helpful I believe as an introduction to readers approaching Ms. Cramer's work for the first time. I found the opening of the review to be quite touching, with a wonderful sense of personal experience that I believe is all too often missing in critical review publication. In the context of the article, your remembrances from childhood add a truly beautiful layer to the photopoem you present.We're very impressed by what you put together using the press kit materials, and we will do our best to provide exposure for your features through our mailing list and other avenues.I do look forward to reading your articles in the future.We appreciate your considering our book and thank you very much for your fine and generous review coverage,

Saw the review and treatment of THE BLOOD BETRAYAL on your site. Once again, you've amazed me with what you do. Fantastic, fabulous… No, those words aren't good enough to describe your work and you.

I wrote up a short piece about what you did, directing people to your site from mine. That was really interesting and something I've never seen anyone do before. Great job, and I'm glad you enjoyed the novel.

..my truly heartfelt thank you for your very generous and kind review! I appreciate very much the time and effort you put into this review for me, and your so graciously posting it in multiple locations.

Your blogsite is extremely professional and well-done! What you posted for me there has completely blown me away!

Thank you again very much for such a comprehensive and thoroughly entertaining review. It's one of the best reviews I have received and I'm very proud to have it. Most Gratefully,

You review blew my mind. When I listened to the songs you inserted, they brought tears to my eyes. You added a dimension to my work that was missing. In the attachment I have attempted to answer your question about anger. Thank you so much for your raving review. There are no words in the English language to express the gratitude I feel for you. I wish you a wonderful and blessed day. James Womack

WOW! What a beautiful post you did for ALMOST PERFECT ON YOUR I can’t imagine how much time you must have taken to create some thing so imaginative and special. I feel truly humbled and touched and quite unequal to saying how much it meant to me. A real present. You must be a very special person. I wish you were my neighbor and we could have a real chat over coffee. Maybe someday. But meanwhile know how wonderful your work made me feel and buoyed to keep on keeping on! Diane

I wanted to make sure I got a chance to properly thank you for posting the wonderful review of The Medici Boy! It was terrific, not just because you like the book (thank you) but because your analysis was thoughtful and honest. You put your heart into it, (Photos were out of this world) and you wrote like a friend would (we think that’s the very best kind of review). I appreciate your time and passion for literature! We’ve been promoting the site, since you went live, and we’re going to continue to promote your site on Social Media throughout the month. Senior Publicist Blue Dot Literary